Risk factors for electrical and mechanical complications after ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Despite the overall improvement in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) management and the significant decrement in cases within the past decade, it remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is well known that STEMI carries an important risk of developing electrical complications (EC) and mechanical complications (MC), which account for most of the in-hospital mortality in these groups. Although revascularization therapy, either percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or fibrinolysis, has significantly decreased the incidence of EC and MC, they are still a major health concern. Therefore, the initial management of STEMI is vital but is not limited only to PCI or thrombolysis; it also involves the management of possible complications. Predicting the likelihood of these complications is highly useful for physicians so that preventive measures can be taken. This review aims to identify risk factors in STEMI patients associated with the onset of EC and MC. Developing predictive models for EC and MC is a pending task, but that would significantly benefit both the patients and the medical community.